Sanskrit Chants

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Svadhyaya (study, memorization, and recitation of the revealed scriptures) is an important part of SRV sangha life. Students are encouraged to memorize all seven peace chants in both Sanskrit and English and recite them daily. Contemplating their meanings is a sure way to vitalize one's daily meditation practice. Lord Buddha stated, "The rust of monasteries is non-recitation of the scriptures; the rust of households is lack of spiritual self-effort." Thus we have found memorization of these profound and beautiful chants to be a joyous austerity conducive to endless inspiration. Om Shanti.

1. Peace Invocation from the Yajur Veda

May Brahman protect us. May Brahman sustain us. May Brahman illumine our thinking process. May we not find fault with each other, with our teachers or with the world, and may what we study become a source of inspiration to us eternally. Om peace, peace, peace.

There is peace in the sky, there is peace on earth. There is peace in the heavans, there is peace in this world. There is peace in the waters, there is peace on land. There is peace within the plants, animals, flowers, insects and herbs. There is peace with men, and peace with women and children. There is peace with the Gods and peace with the Goddesses. May this all-pervading peace enter into us and permeate us to the very core of our beings. Om peace, peace, peace.

O Gods, may we hear with our ears what is auspicious. May we see with our eyes what is auspicious. While praising the Gods with perfect health may we enjoy a life that is beneficial to ourselves and to others. Om peace, peace, peace.

4. Peace Invocation from the Rig Veda Samhita

May we chant in praise of sacrifice and sing in praise of the Lord of sacrifice. May divine blessings be upon us. May peace be unto the whole human race. May healing, well being and prosperity abide among us. Om peace, peace, peace.

May all the Gods be propitious to us and grant us earthly welfare and spiritual bliss. Salutations to Vishnu, God with form! Salutations to Brahman, the formless Reality! Salutations to Vayu, the perceptible Brahman! Thou art what is real, what is true, what is beneficial. Therefore protect me, and protect my teacher. Protect guru, dharma and sangha forevermore. Om peace, peace, peace.

O supreme One, grace my limbs with strength. May me speech, vital force, eyes, ears and all my senses expand in capacity. The Upanishads rightly declare that all existence is Brahman. Therefore, may I never deny Brahman and may Brahman never deny me. Let there be no rejection of Brahman by me, ever. May all the virtues cited in the Upanishads reside within me, I who am devoted to the Atman. Om peace, peace, peace.